CUPPING THERAPY
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of Chinese Traditional medicine that utilizes the power of suction along meridian points to draw stagnation, impurities and tension out of the body. Cupping therapy involves fastening small glass cups on the body either using gentle heat, known as fire cupping, or through manual suction. In both instances, the applied cups create a vacuum, which holds the skin and superficial muscles inside the cup and gently brings deeply rooted tension to the surface of the skin to be released.
Depending upon the condition being addressed, a cupping treatment may entail leaving the cups in a fixed position for the entirety of a cupping session, or moving them along the surface of the skin using organic oils to make for easeful gliding and smooth release of tension.
How Exactly Does It Work?
Cupping therapy, like acupuncture, is based on the meridian theory of the body. Cups are applied to specific acupuncture points on the body as well as target areas experiencing pain beneath the tissues.
Once applied, cups are typically left in place for five to ten minutes, although the time may vary based on the condition. As the cups remain suctioned to the skin, they produce a reddening effect due to the congestion of blood flow (Sha). Cups are removed by gently releasing the vacuum and allowing air to equalize the pressure. It is entirely normal for circular marks to be left on the skin of treated areas, those these fade within a few days after treatment.
What Conditions Does Cupping Help?
Cupping provides an overall energetic boost to the body, aiding in the removal of stagnation and opening the meridians for optimum energy flow. Cupping treatment also helps rejuvenate and detoxify the organs by activating the flow of Qi, improving circulation, releasing nutrients and clearing toxins. Cupping provides a potent activation the lymphatic system, promotes blood circulation and relieves facial and muscular tension held at deeper layers within the tissues.
While cupping is an effective therapy for wide range of conditions, it is most widely used to treat pain in specific centers of the body, including the low back, mid back and shoulder areas. Cupping is also an effective aid for treating gastrointestinal disorders, lung diseases (especially chronic cough and asthma), and paralysis.
Because cupping affects the body up to four inches beneath the surface of the body, it detoxifies the tissues, activates the lymphatic system, clears colon blockages, activates the veins, arteries and capillaries, cleanses the skin, clears stretch marks, and improves the appearance of varicose veins. In summary, cupping offers detoxification, restoration and rebalancing to many areas of the body experiencing dis-ease.
